Large Sonoma Wine Country house with views and Golden Retriever

About this assignment

We would like to find a friendly, responsible couple to care for our dog and garden, who are quiet, will keep a clean house and are non-smoking.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Taking out trash. Watering garden and house plants. Keeping in touch with us. Cody, our two-year-old, 80-pound Golden Retriever, is a delight, but needs lots of play and exercise. We take him for 3-4 long walks a day. We have a big field behind our house and parks and beaches nearby. (Reggie, referred to in the testimonials below, was our previous golden, who died a three years ago.)

What are the good features of the property and location

This is a 2100 sq ft, 2-bedroom house in a semi-rural area with decks, views and lots of off-road open space. There are two full baths, a massage chair and a hot tub. We live among redwoods, vineyards and apple orchards and there are dozens of wineries and breweries close by. For shopping and restaurants, the town of Sebastopol, CA, is a 10 minute drive. Likewise, 20 minutes to the Sonoma Coast beaches and 45 minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

No public transport, so you will need your own car. We have seat covers, a harness and a way to hook him into the seat belt receiver to keep him safe and out of the front seat. Cody needs lots of exercise and he's strong. So, we're particularly looking for a couple, who can, as we do, split the walks and each have some dog-free time for working, shopping etc. If you both need to go out without him, he can be put in his crate for up to four hours.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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